Test: print the same Micro 3D All-in-one file in nylon, PLA, and Eco-ABS. Compare.
All the prints on default “best” settings for the filament type. No rafts or supports. No other “advanced” or “expert” tweaks in the software/hardware interface.

Overhang: The top curvy pieces needed support at 50 degrees. Structurally, nylon appears to be the strongest at the top end of the overhang. The font clarity on the front face is impressive.

Tolerance: – the online setting did not create the top “comb” completely – only the first two “teeth” appeared in the build file. The second comb had webs.

Scale/Diameter: Both circles printed ok, the small seemed to be smoother on the top layer.

Sharp Corners: significant webbing and stringing interferes with even seeing the top points off either small pyramids. Scraping with an x-acto blade would revel the points. But both points appear quite blunt.

Stringing: substantial amount of string between each post. Posts snap off with small finger pressure.

Bridging: the appears to be the most impressive-each bridge is complete, with surprisingly little stringing – the gap in the top of each little bridge is clear and sharp. Bridge snaps off loose too easily.

Overhang: The tall curvy pieces clearly needed support at 30 degrees – far weaker than the black nylon. And the only weakness when compared to the black nylon. The font clarity on the front face is impressive, and the clarity in the font on the base is superior as well. Nylon much better than PLA – especially when looking for extrusion on the backside of the overhangs.

Tolerance: – the online setting did not create the top “comb” completely – only the first two “teeth” appeared in the build file. The second comb had bits between the teeth that appear to be in the build file as well. PLA much better than nylon.

Sharp Corners: the only webbing and stringing were from the top points of both pyramids. Scraping with an x-acto blade would revel the points. But both points appear much sharper and could be cleaned using only the finger nail. PLA far superior to nylon.

Bridging: Each bridge is complete, with no stringing – the gap in the top of each little bridge is clear and sharp. I did not snap off a bridge, but it did seem firmer than the nylon bits. PLA much better than nylon. The white bridges are simply flawless.

Overhang: ECO-ABS identical to White PLA. at 30 degrees flaws appear. More stringy webs near the top of the overhangs.

Tolerance: – the online setting did not create the top “comb” completely – only the first two “teeth” appeared in the build file. The second comb had bits between the teeth that appear to be in the build file as well. ECO-ABS clearer and sharper than PLA, both much better than nylon.

Sharp Corners: some webbing and stringing from the top points of both pyramids. Scraping with an x-acto blade would revel the points. But both points appear much sharper and could be cleaned using only the finger nail. EO-ABS same quality as PLA, both far superior to nylon.

Stringing: very little stringing or webbing overall – especially compared to the nylon. Somewhat more stringing on the overhangs than PLA. PLA vastly superior to nylon and ECO-ABS.

Bridging: Each bridge is complete, with no stringing – the gap in the top of each little bridge is clear and sharp. I did not snap off a bridge, but it did seem firmer than the nylon bits. PLA much better than nylon. ECO-ABS and PLA bridges are equally flawless.

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Conclusions:

Overhang: Nylon

Stringing: PLA superior, Nylon is a stringy web slinging monster, ECO-ABS somewhat more stringy than PLA on the overhangs.

Bridging: ECO-ABS and PLA tied

Sharp Corners: ECO-ABS and PLA tied

Scale/Diameter: ECO-ABS superior

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Filament Types:

Nylon: larger models without fine detail that require strength and durability over fine detail. Difficult to print due to the stringy fibres, but the inherent stringiness of nylon adds superior strength and flexibility. Best for large strong tools, protectors, drawer handles, boxes, hinges, gears.

PLA: All around most common material – best for disposable, biodegradable, finely detailed prototypes and models. Lacks strength and flexibility. A hard cheap feeling plastic. Excellent print quality for detailed models, containers, decorations, knickknacks. Easiest to sand/paint finish as artwork.

ECO-ABS: Best overall – flexible, durable, beautiful, more stringy than PLA but easier to work with than nylon, but that property makes ECO-ABS durable and more flexible. Best for moving parts, clips, snap-on bits, toys.

Recently, when setting up a project for printing/cutting with the Roland VersaCamm, the black wasn’t true black. On screen all looked good, but when printing and cutting, the colour values on the black in particular were noticably not black.

After much trial and error, I found the following workaround recommended at the Roland site forums: create your graphic in RGB mode even when sending to a CYMK printer.

Hardly an intuitive solution, but it worked.

Colour Swatches in Adobe ought be RGB as well.

Set RGB values in swatches. Black is 0,0,0.

I don’t know why. Recent product updates to the drivers behind the printer or Adobe may be at play.